Canon EOS Rebel SL2 / EOS 200D Review

The EOS Rebel SL2 (known as the EOS 200D outside of North America) is Canon's second-generation ultra-compact digital SLR. It's largely packed with Canon's latest tech, including Dual Pixel AF, a DIGIC 7 processor, Wi-Fi with NFC and Bluetooth, and a new user interface for beginners.

While its small size may lead one to believe that it's an entry-level model, similar to Nikon's D3400, the SL2 actually sits above the bottom-end Rebel T6 (EOS 1300D), which costs $150 less.

The SL2's main competitor is the aforementioned Nikon D3400, which is just a tad larger and heavier. The SL2s' other peers are all mirrorless and include (in our opinion) the Canon EOS M5, Panasonic DMC-GX85 and the Sony a6000 which, after 3+ years on the market, is still competitive.

Key Features

24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor

Dual Pixel autofocus (for live view and video)

9-point autofocus (through the viewfinder)

DIGIC 7 processor

3" fully articulating touchscreen LCD

5 fps burst shooting (3.5 fps with continuous AF)

1080/60p video

External mic input

Wi-Fi with NFC and Bluetooth

Available 'Feature Assistant' user interface

Just about everything in that list is Canon's latest and greatest, and the external microphone input is a nice extra. The one feature that's not new is the 9-point autofocus system that you'll use when shooting through the viewfinder – it's identical to what's found the original SL1, which is over four years old. You'll get a much better focusing experience by shooting in live view, which uses Canon's excellent Dual Pixel AF technology.

Compared to...

The SL2 (left) is the mini-me to the still-small Rebel T7i.

First, let's take a look at how the SL2/200D compares to the step-up model, the Rebel T7i (EOS 800D). Here's what you get for another $200 (with kit lenses for both models):

Semi-transparent LCD in viewfinder that can overlay grids, different AF points, an electronic level, and more

Built-in flash can trigger wireless strobes

Does the average point-and-shoot user need any of that? Probably not. If you plan on gaining more experience in the world of digital photography or want a more robust autofocus system, though, the extra $200 might be worth it.

Now, let's take a look at how the specs compare between the the SL2 and the peers mentioned a few paragraphs earlier.

Canon SL2

Nikon D3400

Canon M5

Panasonic GX85

Sony a6000

Resolution

24MP

24MP

24MP

16MP

24MP

Sensor size

APS-C

APS-C

APS-C

Four Thirds

APS-C

Lens mount

EF

F

EF-M

Micro 4/3

E

Image stab.

Lens-based

Lens-based

Lens-based

In-camera

Lens-based

AF system (live view)

Dual Pixel

Contrast-detect

Hybrid(Dual Pixel)

Contrast-detect

Hybrid

AF system (viewfinder)

9-point

11-point

N/A

N/A

N/A

LCD

3" fully articulating

3" fixed

3.2" tilting

3" tilting

3" tilting

Touchscreen

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No

Viewfinder type/mag.

OVF / 0.54x

OVF / 0.57x

EVF / N/A

EVF / 0.7x

EVF / 0.7x

# control dials

1

1

2

2

2

Video

1080/60p

1080/60p

1080/60p

UHD 4K/30p

1080/60p

Wireless

Wi-Fi + NFC + BT

BT

Wi-Fi + NFC + BT

Wi-Fi + NFC

Wi-Fi + NFC

Battery life

650 (OVF)260 (LV)

1200 (OVF)N/A (LV)

295 (LV)

290 (LV)

360 (LV)

Dimensions (mm)

122x93x70

124x98x76

116x89x61

122x71x44

120x67x45

Weight

453 g

445 g

427 g

426 g

344 g

Strictly comparing the SL2 and D3400 you'll see that they each have their own strengths and weaknesses. While there are 'little things' like the type of LCD, viewfinder size and wireless functionality, live view autofocus is the main differentiator. It's simply no contest there with the SL2's AF system blowing away the D3400 in live view and movie mode.

With the exception of the Sony a6000, the SL2 is close in weight, and not far off in size, to the three mirrorless cameras in the group. All three of the mirrorless cameras have an additional control dial, making exposure adjustment quick, and their EVFs are larger than the optical viewfinders on both DSLRs. None of the mirrorless models can compare to the DSLRs in terms of battery life, but only when you're using the latter with their optical viewfinders.

I am on the fence on whether to buy the SL2 or 77D as a backup camera to my antiquated and much heavier 5D Mark I. I own a dozen Canon lenses including 4 L glasses. Used to have 1D MK II but sold it a long time ago due to the weight. And that's why I am looking at these two relatively light camera bodies. I note that 77D is more pricey (i.e. USD 180 higher than SL2 at my local camera shop) but it has more focusing points than SL2 (45 versus 9) plus few other advantages but, on a downside, almost 100 grams heavier. I think the other differences between the two are insignificant to me. I am getting old and would like a light-weight camera to take with me while traveling that can couple with my existing arsenal of lenses. For anybody who is undecided between these 2 Canon cameras, what is your final choice? Reasons?

I looked at the SL2, T7i and 77D when I was deciding on a new camera. I eventually went with the SL2 mainly for the small size and light weight. I also like the viewfinder a good bit better as it is larger and brighter than the one in the T7i or 77D. Also, other than a few dials, better AF and a few minor firmware tweaks there just isn't all that much difference between the three cameras in regard to IQ or video performance. I bought the EF-S 10-18mm lens with the money I saved and have really enjoyed using the SL2. It has become the camera I grab when I am walking out the door because it is so easy to carry and use. It is a camera that does all I need for most of the shooting I do without the added weight and size of my 6D. I also bought the newly designed EF-S 18-55mm f/4.0-5.6 STM lens and have been extremely pleased with it.

IMO, unless you need the 45 AF points or have to have a few more external controls, there is little reason to not buy the SL2.

I am also on the hunt for a compact DSLR as I am getting old yet need to travel and shoot for extended time. After going through almost all reviews available on respectable sites and loads of YouTube videos apart from replies received for my emails to a few reputed YouTube hosts, I have decided to go in for the SL2 for the following reasons.1. Compactness and light weight.2. Budget friendly. The money saved will enable me to buy better glass' of my choice.3. Versatility to accept a host of lenses from the Canon stable as well as third party vendors.4. The person matters behind the camera and not the reverse.

I believe I am on the same page with many on the above perennial question and answers therewith.

We use both the canon 100d and the Nikon d3400 in our introduction to DSLR courses. Both these work well at this entry level, although the preference by the end of the two week course is about 60/40 to the canon. These much mocked entry level picture boxes give students a simple place to start and even after over 3 decades of photography I am constantly amazed at the results that can be coaxed out of them. I agree they are not good at any one thing, but they have capability beyond what most of the market requires and/or is capable of exploiting.

While there is no doubt that the 200d is a worthwhile upgrade, however given its price is close to the 800d we are tempted to buy the latter when we upgrade the 100d's this summer.

Not that I have anything against DSLRs, but when reading a sentence like "You'll get a much better focusing experience by shooting in live view, which uses Canon's excellent Dual Pixel AF technology." it really starts to sound anachronistic.

Yes. Because of ... * direct lag-free view * much less power consumption compared to EVF * direct access without powering camera on * power-less viewing / checking of scenarios using manual focus * viewfinder works in bright sunlight (compared to LC Display)

I wanted the current Canon APS-C sensor in a compact camera. Using mostly EF(-S) lenses and the better display mechanism of the SL2 /200D made it much better for ME compared to M5. And as typical two-body-photographer I roughly get 2 SL2 for the price of one M5.

*) Mirrorless has now lag free, DSLR doesn't. Every DSLR has now the blackout where mirror slaps up and down, cause noise and disturbs your view. Where now mirrorless with EVF doesn't blackout nor cause noise while you are shooting. And offers all the data even on frame and keeps focusing all the time.

*) The EVF doesn't consume the power, it is tiny consumption in total usage. The main consumption is the Live View, meaning that sensor is continually On, drawing power, exposing and CPU is constantly compressing a video feed from the sensor. Enable the Live View on DSLR and their battery times are worse than mirrorless.

*) And what you mean by "direct access"? You can't adjust exposure settings when DSLR is turned off or go to menu. You need to power the DSLR up just like mirrorless. If you mean with "Direct Access" that you can use DSLR like a scope, that is true. But masters don't even need to use viewfinder to previsualize the framing.

Michael can look though his lens with the camera powered off.Can't do that on mirrorless.Michael can manual focus his lens and look through the viewfinder and see his results while the power is off.Can't do that on mirrorlessMichael can manually zoom his lens and look through the viewfinder and see the refults while the power is off.Can't do that on mirrorless.Non EVF cameras use a LOT less power as Michael noted.You can often shoot an SLR for days without replacing a battery.Try that with your mirrorless camera.To even begin to try you'd have to turn off the mirrorless camera every time you took a picture. How convenient. Not!So Michael made a great choice based on his requirements.Person A is always going around to convince person B that person A's system is better because in reality person A really doesn't believe their system is better.In the meantime person B who has different requirements buys a camera and happily goes takes pictures with it while person A looks for a

another person to convince that only their gear, person A's gear is worthy of anyone's gear set and that anyone with other gear has made an inferior decision. They're never happy unless they're in the company of what I call clones. Gear clones. Like gear zombies. All with the same gear.So who wins? In the end the one who buys the gear they want and goes and enjoys it. The one who spends all his time telling everyone else the gear they bought is inferior is the loser.

I have lots of gear that's way different than tons of other people I shoot with.Is it better than theirs?Sure it is!Just kidding.My requirements are mine.Theirs are theirs.I am adult enough to embrace their decisions.I want to see their pictures.I want to see their stories.I want to hear why they love their mirrored camera.I want to hear why they love their mirrorless camera.I want to see a wonderful picture they shot of a loved one.Photography is a celebration, not a confrontation!I shoot 4k RAW video, with global shutter. 30 FPS.Every frame is a single file.I pick the single frames I want and process them.When I'm out shooting people they say, "Wow look at that rig."I say thank you.And then I change the subject to what there shooting.What do they like about it.What are some of their favorite images.We can be arrows in or we can be arrows out.For me photography is arrows out.Embracing their interests, their gear, their choices.

I suspect I am not alone in having bought the SL1 because of its size/performance capability, not because I am a beginner. I have been a photo enthusiast for more than 60 years and have numerous advanced cameras including full-frame, most but by no means all, Canons. If I didn't have the SL1 I would buy the SL2. I wanted one small and capable DSLR and several small EF-S lenses specifically for a lightweight kit with familiar handling. I use the SL1 for walkabouts. I would use the SL2 for the same purpose.

Me too:As experienced photographer I know a lot of exposure, focus, etc. and I am interested in maximum IQ.I do not know if I am a good photographer but I more and more learn that the camera isn't that important if ... IF it gives me the chance to control the most important parameters AND the IQ of the sensor ist very good.And it is always good to have a camera with you, if you want to take photographs. The SL2 delivers: Great IQ, good ergonimics, very low weight and small footprint.

I am shure that the IQ of the SL2 is good enough for world class photographs presenting as 1 x 1.5 meter prints in a museum ... if you are world class photographer.This is limited to "slower" photography. If you are sports photographer or have similar subjects/objects - o.k., there are faster cameras.

Comparison of battery life between DSLR and DSLM (mirrorless) is not very realistic. I happened to get 912 images with the DMC-G80/85 with one battery load, using the EVF with eye controlled activation and the LCD OFF. And that is more of a comparison than with the Live View ON. Don't do that with a DSLR either because battery life will decrease drastically.

912 is almost the same number of photos I get with a Canon 70D before i notice a tiny drop of charge on a single battery. That's quite normal when i shoot a sport event and don't chimp too much. On the last event I shot 1300 photos and the battery had all the bars.

Well, lucky for you, so does my Nikon D600 and even more.... But what I stated was that a comparison of a mirrorless system camera with the LCD and EVF both working alternately with a dslr only using the OVF is not a fair comparison. Comparing them the way I use them (as described in my op) is more realistic.Besides, near 2000 actuations on one battery load is nice, but you won't hear me complain either with 900 or so. More than enough for me. I'm carrying two or three batteries for each camera.

It's not a matter of luck or not, it's a fact. i agree with you, the comparison is not very realistic, because no one shoots with Liveview with a DSRL. So the battery life for a DSLR is much more than what is on the specs.PS: i only carry 1 battery.

Mirrorless battery is time based consumption, not frame counted. About 2.5-3h is the average mirrorless battery lifetime when camera is in full operational use, did you take a single frame or as many as camera can take in that time.

One can example go through a wedding ceremony with single battery and take a 6500 frames and still be left for half of the power. Or one can be photographing a 12 hour party and require to run a 4-5 batteries only by taking a 50 frames.

The specs are for the CIPA standard that works for only DSLR operation. The CIPA testing doesn't work for mirrorless as it is time based operation and not frame based. So presenting frames with mirrorless like with DSLR is wrong.

Strange explanation! No camera-consumption is frame-based. All battery consumption is time-based and electric load-based. -The longer the camera is ON the more electricity it consumes and-The heavier the battery is loaded by electric functions of the camera the more electricity it consumes.The amount of frames is only the result of these two conditions, no matter the measuring standard.For me only reality counts. As I use my mirrorless the way I use my dslr (with extra-consuming EVF against non-consuming OVF as only difference) the mirrorless delivers 912 frames and the dslr delivers about 2000 frames.

I hate to say this but the standard of reviews has gone downhill considerably. DPR used to be my first port of call for camera reviews but sadly not any more, other sites offer far more detailed reviews..

Another Canon body.Sensor could perform better but is quite workable.. AF is good if you use the lcd.. AF is outdated but workable if you use the viewfinder.. video is nice but could be better.. usability is good..Just copy the reviews.I started out thinking it was a partial copy of the 6DMK2 review anyway. ;Dor was it the other way 'round?

About 6 months ago, I got my Sony a6000, after using my girlfriend's 600d. And, I don't know how, but the Canon makes better images of people. It simply does. Sony can shoot faster, but the tempo of Canon is just fine. Sony can be used with the higher ISO, but in real life, when there is not enough light - there is not enough light. For the landscape, Canon simply has perfectly nice colors. From the JPEG, just shoot. And the Canon has the display that you can twist to make a selfie. In conclusion, Sony is great for bugs in flight, for everything else, just take the Canon. It works in real life. And the people feel it as a professional tool and get something in their eyes, some glance.

you are comparing $1100 vs $699. the results are not so different in real life(picture quality) but it is fuji 18-55 lens which makes a difference and if you like fuji film simulations than fuji is no brainer.

I honestly think it is one of the best engineered electronic devices on the market. Paired with the EFS 24 pancake, it produces extremely crisp images with vibrant colour & contrast. I thought my previous D5100 with 35mm 1.8 combo would be very hard to beat. The 100D and this are outstanding.

People are forgetting the biggest pro of all: it is compatible with the whole range of EF and EFS lenses ever made which gives you access to the largest and most complete AF lens range on the planet...I wanted a 6dii to replace my 6d 'travel anywhere cam' and to get into the dpaf thing (I am a casual video'er and I battled with the slow or MF of my other bodies). Eventually I got this little camera and kept the 6d. Already videoed a music show with it using 70-200 and what a revelation dpaf and the touch screen was!! Even in near darkness it followed subjects - no more fiddling with the focus - just tap on the screen and it followed... The FHD video is fine for me - I do my cropping in camera. Haven't done much stills yet but, but as always it is mainly the lens and photographer who determines the quality of those. Just looking for the right lens combo and I can half the size and weight of my regular travel kit...

"doesn't stand out in any one area" according to jeff but according to this well known nikon youtube vlogger the live view AF is "earth shattering". Which is it? Is it the cheapest DSLR with decent live view AF or is it truely "meh" as jeff claims?

Dim Pentaprism? Really? It's a myth. I dusted off my 1962 Nikon F with a 100% field of view pentaprism and compared its view through the original 58mm f 1.4 lens stopped down to f2, to my SL2 view through its 50mm f1.8. No difference. My wife agreed. Sure the view field in the full frame SLR was wider, but dimmer? Not so. My conclusion: dim pentamirrors are a myth. Now, F 5.6 kit zoom lenses might have something to do with viewability. But pentamirrors seem just as bright as pentaprisms. Canon can measure this far more accurately than I can. Could it be that their engineers know this, but the marketeers like to foist heavier prisms on folks who think they are getting more for their money?

All your T6S lenses will work on the SL2. I fact, all EF and EF-S mount lenses, Canon and other brands, work perfectly on it. Also, the SL2 can take any size lens with no more stress issues to the camera than any other body. The only issue would be whether the smaller size makes handling very large lenses less ergonomic.

I appreciate your response. I use mostly a Tamron 18-270 lens & was concerned its would stress contact point.Also, as I like idea of going to smaller size camera, was looking at Olympus OM DE M10 (1st gen) or Sony A6000 to try out. I like features, as in tilt rear screen, flash shoe, etc. of both, as they're similar.Yes, it would mean switching to different mfg lens. Thoughts?Thanx for your input, J

It might have something to do with them buying their sensors from Sony. Maybe Sony charges too much for this to be put in a low end DSLR. Plus, the Nikon 1 uses a different sensor and transferring the technology to APS-C is too expensive or not compatible.

@ Kevin - The Nikon 1 sensors up until the J5 (Sony) are actually made by Aptina, and Sony and Aptina have a patent share so Sony has the Aptina tech. I can't say why they don't use it on the bigger cameras, but I don't think it's a patent issue.

A FF sensor, shoots in the dark, has AFMA, bigger grip, incredibly faster AF, frame rate, buffer size, build quality, really hard to think of the SL2 as a more exciting camera unless one is really really into tiny camera sizes. A 6D is a much, much better and more exciting camera to own.

@Ebrahim It depends what you're shooting. I'm a stage photographer using a Nikon D750 now, but I was previously using a Canon 650D and 100D before I could afford to move up, and I still managed to get a good rate of keepers.

Even as I appreciate the much better 3D tracking and ability to focus in extreme low light on my Nikon, I still shoot most shows by center focus and recomposing. I almost never move my focus points. And unless I'm shooting dance or a fast rock band, I practically never burst my shots. So despite all the technical advancements from between an entry level APS-C camera and a full frame, it's honestly not made all that much difference to how I shoot. It's just a little easier.

A 6D may be a better camera overall, but not everyone needs one, or can afford it. For the vast majority of consumers, they'd rarely need anything better than an entry level DSLR or mirrorless. If someone is untrained, having a full frame isn't going to give them better photos.

with usb tethering, wide acceptance by the astro community for Canon API's and tethering, mirrorlockup and tethered liveview, a small lightweight 24mp camera like this will be perfect for prime focus or piggy back astro work.

I had the SL1/100D briefly - it had the most basic shutter mechanism I've ever known & made it feel like a cheap toy. Is the SL2/200D any better >Other than that it took pretty good pictures & it seems this one does too.

Again, for the AF Part, just a few picks and not the whole sequence as in a bit older reviews?DPR was the resource where one could have a look at the images resulting in the rating which might allow someone to build up his/her own opinion as well but it seems as this is not the goal anymore thus people have to rely a bit more on other peoples conclusions. That is not a good move.

I am too trying not to collect objects. I gave my trusty 40D to a young family member and replaced it by the 200D.200D has great IQ in terms of smooth transitions, higher dynamic range and good resolution / color reproduction.The great benefit of the wide use of plastics is that the camera is very light. The flippy screen helps to reach desired positions easily. Good for an aging person, and yes, it begins with 40 and I am 50 now.But it doesn't feel like a toy, it feels (and acts) like a tool for standard use - I know there are tools for professionals like 80D / 7D mk ii / 5d mk iv / 1Dx mk ii to withstand heavy use and have advantages in terms of speed.But: IQ of the 200D is so good that this camera can help to make world class photographs ... if you are world class photographer. Except if speed is needed.

Another point: DPAF is a very organic way to get the thing in focus YOU want to be in focus. Fast, precise, accurate. For me a new degree of freedom!

Hey Wubslin, do you NOT have ANY memories with loved ones that you'd like to capture or are you so isolated that you don't care about memories?

If you have to go down the road of worrying about earthly goods perhaps a much better thought about it is this:

Matthew 6:

19“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.....

24“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."

Seems like hanging onto it the way you propose is being in love with money itself....just saying!

Cameras are not 'sharp'. Lenses can be sharp, but not cameras. If you're trying to say that the photos don't seem to preserve a lot of detail, that's probably due to Canon's jpeg engine which is notorious for that.

What an old argument... with an a6000, you can use any lens. I'm a creative director and we use Sony cameras with all sorts of vintage glass for our studio/video/still work. You would be surprised how sharp some are.

It's not an old argument by any means ;) The camera though, is old- 3 models behind now. Yes, it can work in some of frankenstein scenario, but lets be realistic here.

To simply say you can use any lens is...very misleading... you need an adapter. Sony doesn't make them, so you have to invest in a 3rd party and hope it works. features will be missing. Its not realistic for many. Vintage lenses are again, not practical for many modern uses. When I'm in the pits at fashion week, much less shooting on the street, no one is using the scenarios you describe. For super controlled situations, sure, if you have the time patience, budget and researchers. All gravy.

In conclusion, compared to simply buying a native mount lens, its not practical. And the body is so old now, chances are sony may not support it. Too many negatives to even be considered.

"It's not spectacular in any one area, but it's easy to use and performs well in most situations. The SL2 isn't for those taking a lot of photos of moving subjects, nor is it wondrous at video,"

Isn't shoving dual pixel AF and the 80D sensor into a $500ish smallest DSLR on the market fairly spectacular? And then they throw in a fully articulated screen? And while the video specs are not "wondrous" I'd wager that it AF's better in video/live view than every single other non-canon DSLR on the market. I'll take in-focus 1080p with an articulated screen versus stooping down to look at out of focus 4K any day of the week.....

"Isn't shoving dual pixel AF and the 80D sensor into a $500ish smallest DSLR on the market fairly spectacular?"Yes!Even more spectacular is IMHO, that Canon charges less than they do for EOS M6, despite the fact they don't need the mirror box and such.

The tunnel viewfinders of entry level APS-C DSLRs are a pain by today's standards.Therefore, most people might prefer to shoot the SL2 in LiveView anyway because of the tunnel OVF - that basically reduces the SL2 to an M6. Still, the SL2 is cheaper, even with more hardware under the hood.

These days it's "more natural" to use the screen. It's frustrating but when I hand a dslr that is not in live view to a younger person I have to tell them "Put your eye up to the eye hole" and they look at the viewfinder like I'm trying to trick them or it may bite them. Is the screen broken??????

Enthusiasts here will find a 100 different ways to hate on this camera. Meanwhile, Canon will sell a lot of them, thanks to name recognition and market penetration. Call it the Toyota Corolla of the camera world.

Back when I had a 5Dm2 which I found a bit big to be a carry-around camera I really wanted to buy the SL1 for its size. Went Fuji instead. Still wondering what the life could have been had I chosen to stay in Canon world.

This is a stills SLR primarily, in a small size. Pentax owns this category, and they have the equally tiny lenses to go with. And here's the #1 issue under consideration that the reviewers gloss over: the viewfinder. Pentax committed to pentaprism finders a while back, and it makes all the difference on every shot. For those of us who have tried (good) EVF's and just can't stand them compared to a good optical finder, the little viewfinder in the SL models totally misses the mark. I'll just use my teeny tiny Olympus OMD10ii with its teeny tiny lenses and it's biggy wiggy EVF. Conversely if you're using an LCD, or you like EVF's (did I mention I don't?) why wouldn't you go mirrorless if you want a small camera? Not sure at all what is the why of the SL2. I like the idea...until I look through the tunnel to try and compose a photo.

To be honest, I think that viewfinder numbers aren't always as accurate as they seem. I own an 100d/SL1 and an 80d, and I am really hard pressed to notice a difference in the viewfinders. Yes, the 80d's is a bit larger, but in terms of brightness, they are pretty much equal. I have to put them both up to my eyes next to each other to notice a difference. I also own a 450d/Rebel XSi, and it's viewfinder is really dim in comparison to the 100d/SL1 - but officially, they have the exact same specification. I've only played with an 200d/SL2 briefly, but it's viewfinder seemed "just fine" to me. Especially in a camera like the 200d/SL2, I'd much rather like the smaller size and weight of the pentaprism.

The "why" of the 200d/SL2 is simple: It is a fantastic camera for beginners - it has the choice of both worlds (mirror up/down), offers great smartphone compatiblity, has great ergonomics, is really easy to use, and it is small enough to toss it into your travel bag.

Well, you can use the camera in live view mode and then it acts the same as a mirrorless camera without a viewfinder, doesn't it?Just see it as a mirrorless camera with the option to use an optical viewfinder.Then it's up to the user to decide if he prefers the option to use an optical viewfinder or an electronic viewfinder...

- it's cheap- it does exactly what it is supposed to do- it's small, lightweight and convenient- it's based on reliable and proven technology, unlike many recent imaging gadgets- it has features that would have satisfied most professional photographers not such a long time ago- it's compatible with many amazing lenses, from Canon and others- it has excellent IQ that will please most users- it's a Canon- it bothers pixel peepers and Canon haters, which is the icing on the cake

Canon says they are going to build some mirrorless cameras, but here we go again, the same old tired flapping mirror design that is so noisy and requires the post chimping to see how the image was exposed. Mirrorless shows you how the image is going to be exposed BEFORE you take the picture. Great for beginners, instead of these inscrutable flappers.

No camera requires post chimping, that is up to the photographer. The photogrpahers skills should be adequate enough not to rely on chimping. So much angst towards a camera you wont buy. Why? Beginners should not be able to see what they get before hand so they actually learn something,

The M6 is now my standard back up to my 5DMIV when I am on travel. With an EOS-M to EF adapter, I can use the same EF lenses across both bodies. It is so small that it fits into my camera bag, where otherwise another telephoto lens would be slotted.

Well.. My Panasonic GX80 does NOT show how the image will turn out. If the image looks well exposed in the electronic viewfinder, the real image is about 1 stop underexposed. So I have to "see" the image very bright in the viewfinder to get an acceptable exposure.. Thats really sad.. :(

"Canon says they are going to build some mirrorless cameras, but here we go again"

Canon never promised that the SL2 would be mirrorless. Saying that you will make mirrorless cameras isn't the same as saying that you won't make DSLRs. It's possible to make both, and in fact that's what Canon does.

To all those who says "See Exposure real time"...target first time buyers of SL2 will anyway use green mode, which will anyway nail exposure 90% of the time. If "advanced shooter", the evaluated metering is already very good combined to the Exposure metering needle and keeping an eye on that [with experience from being "advance"] while adjusting on the fly gives you what you want. And if you are a pro, you already know what to set [basic: Sunny 16 rule]...so bottom line: EVF let's you see exposure real time and is better than OVF is as hollow as a Marketing Gimmick and it's just a battery draining marketing gimmick on that context. Only benefit I see in EVF is auto magnification in manual AF mode to the AF, when you turn the focus ring on the lens, if that option is at all available.

This camera is not in the same class as G85. G85 is a semi-pro/enthusiast camera, this SL2 is aimed at first time buyers migrating from phones or experienced users seeking a light 2nd body. I would put G85 in the same league as 80D, which is substantially heavier.

I have the 100D SL1 as a back up to my 5D3. i use it professionally. When the same lens is mounted, the image quality is quite similar albeit a difference of the smaller sensor. With Dual Pixel it will be a welcome addition to my kit. People who say amateur camera are missing the potential. Is my a6500 better for video? Of course, but that doesn't change the usability for those with Canon lenses for this little gem.

yeah making an interval set-up with an 20 buck powerbank on amazon is absolutely useless. Same for travelling to remote places where a reliable grid isn't straightforward, Like you know jungles, mountains, 3rd world countries.

Are you guys saying that this camera just has one non-removable battery like an iPhone, because that would be insane....Or can you buy an external charger and more batteries? Bummer, I know, but Canon also doesn't supply lens hoods which is equally stupid.

I love USB charging. Why in the world wouldn't you want your camera to be able to charge up a battery simply by plugging in a micro-USB? I think it's super convenience. It's not as if you HAVE to use it all the time. But when you do need it, it's very convenient to have. Just plug your camera in, and you're charging! It's handy. I travel with USB powerbanks, and I like being able to plug it into my camera while the camera is sitting in my bag and it's not in use. There were several occassions when I was traveling by train through Europe this summer, and I was charging up on the train.

"yeah making an interval set-up with an 20 buck powerbank on amazon is absolutely useless. Same for travelling to remote places where a reliable grid isn't straightforward, Like you know jungles, mountains, 3rd world countries. USB charging doesn't equal no seperate charger. "

Yeah, for cameras that may not come with a charger in the box, it's super easy just to buy one. I use third-party chargers and they are $14 on Amazon for Sony chargers, including two additional batteries! But if your camera doesn't have USB charging, you can't just add it to your camera. Either it has it or it doesn't.

@russbarnesDon't rely on this review to give you and accurate presentation of the SL2's capabilities. It is a unique camera in the DSLR market segment. It is the best effort to date to marry a MILC to a DSLR. I have owned one for about a month and I haven't used my EOS M3 since I bought it.

As of yet I haven't heard anyone say that they didn't get photos they like out of the camera because it's not "innovative" enough. That's a buzzword people like to use around this site and others which looks witty but in reality means very little. I'm sorry you don't like Canon cameras. Did someone from Canon run over your dog or something?

Russ, Sony 24 mpx APS-C sensor is used by various Sony, Nikon, Pentax cameras... do you expect Canon to develop specific sensors for each camera? so what's your point about Canon using the same sensor. It's just a sensor, there are other aspects that differs.

How does this camera earn a 79% rating and silver recommendation with a 9pt AF system (that wasn’t spectacular even four years ago), a max of 3.5 FPS w/AF, and absolutely *no* interesting or compelling features?

This isn’t the Toyota Camry of cameras, this is a stripped Corolla. Sure, some people just want to get from A to B, but giving a high recommendation to what can only be described as bare minimum, 8 year-old tech, is partially what keeps Canon asleep at the wheel.

What a lot of people are missing is just how good this camera's live view performance is. It is as good as the M6 but without a few things like focus peaking etc. I have an M3 and bought the SL2 as a stop gap camera since I did not think the M5 was worth the $1,000 price tag. The SL2 has filled the roll I was hoping for better than I expected. That is a small, light weight camera that bridges the gap well between DSLR and MILC. The DPAF and OVF AF compliment each other very well and one fills in for the other where it falls short. It has IQ as good as any new APS-C camera Canon sells and while not having the best OVF AF it gets the job done quite well. Canon will sell a lot of SL2s because it does about all most people need, or want, when buying an entry level camera. I also suspect that a lot of experienced camera users will buy one for the very same reasons.

I'm tired of hearing the whole... this is entry level basic!!! But for 200 dollars more!!! Many skilled photographers are perfectly fine with a super light DSLR. We don't want to spend 200 dollars more, we don't want the bigger camera, we don't need more features! For the same price you could get a used 5d mark ii and 50mm lens! Many of us have a more advanced camera, or several of them. Who cares. People like and want this camera. I went with a diff camera line for a little bit thinking the SL line would never be continued, but now that the SL2 is out I'm back in the game.

I have found the OVF AF of the SL2 to be very fast and accurate. For a person that mostly shoots with the center AF point it is more than sufficient. Then the live view AF fills in many of the gaps the OVF AF has like 80% sensor coverage, face detection, subject tracking etc. One has to look at the total package the SL2 brings to really appreciate its full abilities.

The real killer feature for this camera isn't any of specific specs, or even the size, it's the value proposition when you factor in the lens ecosystem. There simply isn't anything anywhere near this well-rounded available at this price point. Pick up the SL2 (body-only), the portrait/travel bundle with the nifty fifty and the 10-18mm ultra-wide, plus the 55-250mm STM. All in you're under 1000 USD, and you've got a lightweight kit with good-enough image and video quality and all the features and specs needed at this price point.

In the two instances we traveled as a family to Europe, I had my 6D and the SL1/100D as back up. Shared same lenses, same external flash units. If I did not have the M6 right now, I would definitely get this SL2 as back up to my 5DMIV!

The first 3 paragraphs in the shooting experience say it all. Many users will only shoot the standard kit..... and then.. Shooting a canon and all you had was this Lens? ? Really? THE most used system on the planet and you had this to put on it representing... What exactly?

There is a lot more where this came from. ..only seeing the various film setting's when in LV. Uhoh.. .

I'm not defending or bashing any camera maker here. Only hoping you stepping up the game.

Not best in class overall?? DPR what are you saying? In your own system, this is BEST IN CLASS OVER ALL! 79 points is the max for this class in your system. There are 2 others that reach this 79 points only. None point higher. So what goes here? Really!

As always I really like your efforts but am in doubt about conclusion's. It is most likely the right time to change your overall system. To me it is NOT BEST IN CLASS. ;-)

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